NEW FC Clacton defender Ryan Lowton believes joining the club can help him fulfil his dream of playing professional football.

The 20-year-old, from Plymouth, has arrived as a client of the Clacton-based Football Careers Centre, run by former Seasiders reserve-team boss Jon Willis.

After attending trials, he was originally given a chance by Needham Market.

He then joined Heybridge Swifts and remains dual registered with the Ryman League side.

However, with his first-team opportunities limited at Scraley Road, Lowton – the cousin of Aston Villa defender Matthew Lowton – has now joined Clacton.

He made his debut in their 11-3 defeat at Godmanchester Rovers.

“My aim is to play football professionally, hopefully at Conference level,” he said.

“I’d love to make a living from the game and see this move as part of my journey to that level.

“It was a bold step coming over here from Devon.

“But I believe in taking opportunities, otherwise you might end up having regrets.

“At the moment it’s not so much about the level I’m playing at.

“It’s about playing games and getting matches under my belt.”

Despite the size of the defeat last weekend, St Osyth-based Lowton has already seen enough to be encouraged and enthusiastic about his new club.

He says he has been impressed with the set-up, plus the spirit and character of his team-mates.

“Overall, I’ve been impressed with the set-up,” he said.

“(Manager) David Coyle has a vision and when he speaks, the lads listen.

“It strikes me that it’s a positive club, looking to move forward in the right direction.

“Saturday was a freak result.

“It was a learning curve but we’ve got to put it behind us.

“It’s onwards and upwards and the players are determined to put things right at Fakenham.

“If anything, I was impressed with the boys’ character and spirit.

“Yes, we conceded a lot but we scored three and if we’d taken our chances we might have scored four or five.

“It’s about getting the balance right between attacking and defending.”